Thomas Merton Monk

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Anybody a big fan of Merton ?
I might like to know more about him.
I’m told he was a monk, somewhat controversial.
In April, 1966, he fell in love with a nurse,
when he went to a hospital for back pain.
Margie Smith, student nurse.
Wrote poems to her…

Died in 1968. Electrocuted by a fan.
No autopsy. Back of his head had a bleeding wound.

Any dvd or great book recommendation ?
 
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I suggest reading Thomas Merton’s works, rather than criticism about him, which is mainly based on gossip and false accusations.

If you want to know about his life, the Seven Story Mountain, is where to begin.

To learn about his spiritual teachings, New Seeds of Contemplation, is his best.

Keep in mind that Thomas Merton never left his faith, nor his vocation as a Trappist Monk.

Jim
 
All of his books are great, particularly the early ones.
He’s a huge favorite of mine.
Better yet, visit the monastery where he lived.
 
He wrote a book called The Seven Story Mountain. I would say that is the best place to start.
 
I finished reading his book, "The Inner Experience: Notes on Contemplation, not long ago.

It was actually written before he wrote Seeds of Contemplation, but the final draft wasn’t finished and approved until after his death.

The book is for contemplatives seeking a deeper understanding of the spiritual life.

Jim
 
Thomas Merton is also a favorite of mine. I agree with what the above posters say. He was involved in the early phases of ecumenism but never left the Church or ceased being a monk

Start with The Seven Storey Mountain and then go on to New Seeds of Contemplation and take it from there.

He also wrote poetry which you’d probably be interested in too.
 
I read Seeds of Contemplation about 25 years ago. I could only get through a page or two in a sitting. I would reread paragraphs I couldn’t understand. I found it difficult, but I really liked what he had to say once I figured out what he meant.
 
JimR-OCDS said:
To learn about his spiritual teachings, New Seeds of Contemplation, is his best.
Click to expand...
I cannot recommend New Seeds of Contemplation highly enough. If you don’t read anything else by Merton, read this. You will not be sorry.
 
ajfrab said:
New Seeds of Contemplation
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I read 3 of his…including New Seeds of Contemplation…I got MUCH more from Thomas Keating’s books…( both Trappist ) I think they knew each other…maybe try "Open Heart Open Mind "
 
pianistclare said:
All of his books are great, particularly the early ones.

He’s a huge favorite of mine.

Better yet, visit the monastery where he lived.
Click to expand...
My favorite place in this world!!!

I almost entered there like 40 years ago but got cold feet. Not my calling… I see now that I probabaly would have cracked up in there. I have been back over the years and see that some of the same guys are in the same places singing the same psalms in the same way.

When I first went there I did not know who Thomas Merton was.
 
Cool !
eBay sells all these books for 3.95 free s/ h
Bought Run to Mountian - hard back -
and New Seeds - all together - under ten bucks 🤓
 
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Oddly, I’m not a huge fan. But I stayed three nights in his cell at Gethsemane back in 1994. That’s all it took to see that the Trappists are the special forces of the monastic life.

The cell contains a bed, a crucifix, a sink, a stool and a clock. Most go to bed at 11:00pm and have Vigils at 3:30am. Meals are silent. Speaking is only by necessity and work is plentiful, hard and the hours are long, yet punctuated by prayer.

When the monk dies, he receives no coffin. He is wrapped in a burial shroud only and lowered into the earth. Even in death, the rule is simplicity. Above the gate to the enclosure it says “God Alone.” Such is the spirit of solitude for each monk.
 
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Colonel - I’m impressed ! Truly !
What was the situation ?
We’re you passing through the town…
Not everyone, could be granted that privilege

I awake at 3:30 am for work…
But I’m in bed by 8:15 pm.
Prayer must sustain them, week by week.
I’d be fatigued - among other things.

Reading “ Power of Silence “
Monks all seem to have that type of burial -
Which I agree to -
Isn’t the unknown soldier motto “ known by God alone “
 
The top video was a fun watch / listen.

The bottom video boring / brainy.
 
I visit St Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer MA often and have made retreats there.

This is where Fr Keating was once the Abbot.

He knew Fr Merton and Fr Pennington, who authored books on Centering Prayer.

I have all three author’s books in my library, but Thomas Merton, being the first that I read, will always have a special place in my heart.

Jim
 
I live in Massachusetts 🐣
Never been on a “ retreat “ before.
Interesting.
 
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